Eni SpA (NYSE:E) just made a bold move to fuel its energy transition strategy, striking a 2.94 billion ($3.17 billion) deal to sell a 25% stake in its Enilive biorefining business to KKR. This agreement, which values Enilive at 11.75 billion, goes beyond just numbersit's about Eni strengthening its balance sheet while positioning itself as a frontrunner in sustainable energy. By retaining control of Enilive and reducing its net financial position, Eni is pushing its satellite strategy to create stand-alone clean energy businesses ready to tackle the growing demand for decarbonized solutions. The deal echoes a similar stake sale in its Plenitude renewables unit, showing consistency in Eni's game plan.

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With KKR now on board, Enilive isn't just sitting prettyit's gearing up to scale. This partnership brings in KKR's expertise to accelerate growth, spotlighting the appeal of Eni's strategy in the eyes of heavyweights in the private equity space. Eni's CEO, Claudio Descalzi, didn't mince words: this step aligns perfectly with their push to reshape the energy landscape by developing zero-carbon businesses that actually meet real-world energy needs. The message is clearEnilive isn't just a side project; it's a key player in Eni's broader game to keep pace with the energy transition while still making good on shareholder value.

Eni isn't stopping there, either. The company's also committing 2 billion over five years to turn around its struggling Versalis chemical unit, aiming to reduce reliance on basic chemicalsa sector facing tough times in Europe. Pairing the Enilive stake sale with this massive reinvestment effort, Eni is clearly doubling down on its strategy to pivot its portfolio, positioning itself to thrive in a world where sustainability isn't just an optionit's a necessity.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.